2012 Academy Awards - Oscar Red Carpet Fashion

The stars were out in full force on the red carpet tonight at the 84th Annual Academy Awards. Overall the carpet was shining and everyone looked stunning. I loved a few looks more than others, but I'll leave the official fashion report to Joan Rivers and all the other fabulous analysts. Here are some of the looks the stars were donning:

all images via People: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20

Who made your best dressed list?

Domino Magazine's Quick Fixes

I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am that the beloved Domino will be issuing a special print (yes- print!) edition of their magazine under the name Quick Fixes on April 17th. As many of you know, the home decor magazine with a now cult-like following ceased publication in 2009, leaving so many of us loyal fans heartbroken. Like many of you, I kept the print copies I had of Domino, scanned the numerous pages of gorgeous interior spaces for my own files, and purchased their iconic turquoise covered book of the same name. But even after all of that, I still missed seeing the magazine in stores and having new issues on my coffee table. So needless to say, the announcement of a new magazine from them was beyond delightful to hear. I'm already counting down the days! Here are some of my favorite spaces featured in Domino during it's run:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

*This is not sponsored content! Just spreading the word about something I love.

3 Cake Trends to Love

Being gluten free means I don't usually get to eat the cake at parties, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a gorgeous cake when I see one. I've noticed a few trends in cake decor popping up at events and parties as of late, and they're really quite stunning. Here are my faves:

peach ruffle cake - ruffle cake recipe & tutorial - rainbow cake recipe & tutorial - ombre cake recipe & tutorial - pink swirl ombre cake recipe & tutorial

Currently Loving: Trendy Neon

I've never been one to wear much color, but with neon being one of the biggest trends of 2012, I thought it'd be fun to round up some of my favorite brightly colored accessories.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 a, b / 13 / 14 / 15 a, b / 16

The Everygirl

photo by Danielle Moss

I'm really excited to bring you all a sneak peek of the brand new site, The Everygirl, which launches bright and early Wednesday, February 22nd! Created by two fabulous and established bloggers, Danielle Moss and Alaina Kaczmarski, The Everygirl will feature career profiles of female entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and bloggers who will be sharing their steps to success by answering the questions we all want to know: how they got to where they are, how they branched off into their own business, and what advice they have for others, among many other interesting and insightful things.

The Everygirl will also have tons of other fun things like budget-friendly interior design and fashion features, city guides outlined by stylish women who live there, quick and easy affordable recipes, and so much more.

The Everygirl will be interviewing Angie Dudley (above), aka Bakerella, NY Times bestselling author and creator of the infamous Cake Pop in an upcoming feature.

Being a girl who constantly scours blogs, websites, and magazines for anything from home decor inspiration to a good restaurant recommendation, who turns to my best girlfriends for advice, who looks up to strong, entrepreneurial women with success in not only business but family as well, I'm so excited for The Everygirl to launch and be the hub for all things career-driven and creative.

For even more sneak peeks, check out Apartment 34, Elements of Style, Peppermint Bliss, and Stripes and Sequins.

A Rustic Chic Farmhouse

There is something unequivocally charming about this rustic chic farmhouse. From its monochromatic based color scheme with just the slightest hints of color to its pristine yet comfortable decor, the glamorous and relaxed vibe is carried throughout the entire house beautifully.

photos

Neutral Elements

While color is always a welcomed element in any room, sometimes a calming, neutral palette of cream, gray, white, and brown can be just what your space needs. Here are some of my favorite neutral pieces:

1. Alita Mirror 2. Turning Pendant by West Elm 3. Tree Ring holder by CB2 4. Asanto Natural pillow by Crate & Barrel 5. parchment prints 6. Reed Zinc Chair by CB2

For more home decor pieces within this neutral palette, check out my Houzz article here.

An Oscar Party to Remember

The Academy Awards have always been my Super Bowl. Seeing Hollywood's finest step onto the red carpet in their designer gowns with immaculate updo's and donning an impeccable face of makeup is worthy of a celebration in my book, regardless of awards being handed out or not. So, when I came across this gorgeously designed home Oscar party by Twig and Thistle I couldn't resist sharing. The invitations, decor, color scheme, and snack choices are all perfection.

photos by Twig & Thistle

DIY: Valentine's Day Paint Sample Cards

Browsing the paint aisle at Home Depot and Lowes has become my favorite way to pass the time while K searches for tools, materials, or whatever it is he needs. I always grab a few paint sample cards for my "one day I'll do this in my house" inspiration folder, which has led to quite the collection over the years. So, instead of letting them go to complete waste (I can say with confidence that the desire to paint a room red or pink anytime soon is zilch) I decided to try my hand at these DIY Valentine's Day cards. They were simple to make, took less than 20 minutes, and cost nearly nothing, a triple win in the land of DIY's.

photos by Brunch at Saks

PS. I'm linking up with the lovely Kori at Blonde Episodes for her Valentine's Day round up! Head over there for tons of VDay inspiration :)

Click below for steps.


You will need:
- Paint samples
- Ribbon
- Heart paper punch (I used this one from Martha Stewart)
- Single hole punch

If paint samples are wider than 2 - 3 in. each, you'll also need:
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors

1. Pick out a few paint samples in a range of reds and pinks you like best.
2. If the samples are larger than 2 - 3 inches wide (mine were) cut them in half.
3. To make the heart cut outs, use a heart shaped paper punch.
4. Use a regular hole punch on the top of the card and string ribbon through.
5. Write a note, attach a candy to the back side, or simply pass them out as is.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles - Gluten Free, Egg Free

photos Brunch at Saks

I'm over at the lovely Nikki's blog Cupcakes for Breakfast today sharing my gluten free/dairy free chocolate chip cookie dough truffles. They're also egg free, so the worry of eating the dough is gone (the guilt, however, slightly remains).

These make for the perfect Valentine's Day treats, too! Jump over there for the recipe.

Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

The effervescent shades of red and pink this time of year tend to work their cheerily sweet magic on me no matter how hard I try to resist. To be honest, I have never taken Valentine's Day too seriously, but I do like the idea of giving someone close to me a note to tell them how much they're appreciated and loved. However, since the stores are chock-full of cute gifts this time of year, I couldn't help but putting together a set of fun things that might make someone smile this holiday. Here are some of my favorite things:



1. Philosophy Kiss Me lip cream 2. Stila lip glaze here & here 3. C.Wonder bangle 4. Hunter wellies 5. Rebecca Minkoff wallet 6.ban.do shoe clips 7. kate spade ny sunnies 8. kate spade ny ring 9. Michael Kors fabulotion 10. Rifle Paper Co. postcards 11. little pink book of addresses 12. Topshop scarf 13. J.Crew tote 14. Sugar Paper card 15. pop phone handset 16. kate spade ny earrings 17. Sugar Paper chocolate bar 18. Caitlin Wilson coral tall pillow 19. Rifle Paper Co. card 20. Felix Rey clutch 21. Marc Jacobs earrings 22. ban.do mini hearts

10 Pink Lipsticks to Wear this Valentine's Day

I'm not much of a bold lipstick wearer, but since my search for the perfect red lipstick last year yielded somewhat successful results, I've been pushing the color boundaries (albeit mildly) ever since. So, in hopes of slightly jazzing up Valentine's Day this year I thought it'd be fun to gather some pink lipstick colors that would be perfect for the occasion. Here are my picks:

1. Revlon in Gentlemen Prefer Pink 2. NARS in Roman Holiday 3. CoverGirl in Hot Pink Shine 4. MAC in Saint Germain 5. YSL in Pink Mauve 6. Nicki Minaj for MAC in Pink Friday 7. Chanel in Rose Comete 8. Estee Lauder in Pink Champagne 9. Givenchy in Secret Pink 10. Dior in Singuliere